Russell T Davies leads tributes as Doctor Who’s Amanda Brotchie dies

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Russell T Davies, the head of the Doctor Who team, is among those honoring producer and director Amanda Brotchie, who recently died after battling an illness.

Davies shared the sad news on Instagram that Amanda Brotchie has passed away, praising the director of two episodes from Doctor Who season 15.

Everyone loved her work on Doctor Who. She was a fantastic director, and her episodes, ‘Lux’ and ‘The Well,’ were particularly impressive. They required a lot of skill and creativity, and she delivered beautifully.

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Davies fondly remembered her as a truly delightful person – intelligent, kind, curious, and always striving for improvement. She had a knack for spotting details, sometimes being a bit critical while reviewing scripts, but she invariably proved to be correct. Everyone absolutely loved her.

The showrunner also lauded Brotchie’s impressive career, noting her success as an award-winning Australian filmmaker. She became well-known in the UK thanks to shows like Gentleman Jack and Riot Women, and was highly sought after. The showrunner expressed how fortunate they were to have her on the team.

Davies also revealed one of the last conversations he had with Brotchie earlier this month.

She knew her time was limited and was okay with it, so she wrote to me last week about Doctor Who. She said, ‘I’m really happy I had the chance to work with you and everyone – it was a major achievement for both my career and my personal life,’ he shared.

We’re so sorry for your loss. Sending all our love to Zwarwood and everyone who knew and loved them. Good night. ❤️

Rose Ayling-Ellis, who played Aliss Fenly in Doctor Who episode ‘The Well’ also remembered Brotchie.

“I absolutely adore her. ❤️ Such a huge loss,” she wrote.

Brotchie recently directed episodes of Renegade Nell, a new series starring Louisa Harland, who is known for her role in Derry Girls.

“The greatest,” the actor commented on Davies’ post.

Filmmaker Jane Campion’s husband, Adam Zwar, announced her death on Instagram, sharing a series of photos of her, including some from their wedding.

“I’m so sad to tell you that today we lost our beautiful Amanda,” Zwar began.

Many of you are familiar with her work as a director, including shows like Doctor Who, Gentleman Jack, Lowdown (which she also developed), Renegade Nell, and Riot Women. But you might not know she also earned a doctorate in linguistics and was a member of the influential 1980s band, Not Drowning, Waving.

More than anything, she loved supporting her friends and family. If you were close to her, know that your achievements made her incredibly happy, and she loved you deeply.

Zwar looked back on his 23-year relationship with Brotchie in a beautiful tribute.

I remember the first time I met Amanda – we talked for hours! I figured she was just naturally friendly and got along with everyone, and I was right. But what I didn’t expect was that she actually enjoyed talking to me as well, she later told me.

We shared 23 amazing years, and I’d give anything to relive just one day from them.

I’ll deeply miss everything about you – your loving heart, your infectious laugh, your adventurous spirit, and your courage. You had a remarkable ability to connect with all creatures, even spiders and snakes, calmly guiding them outside while I hid! Your cooking was as creative and graceful as your writing and directing – everything you made, from dhal to chocolate mousse, was perfectly balanced and delicious. I’ll especially miss our cozy Sunday mornings, sharing pancakes and watching Insiders on the couch.

He admitted with a laugh, “I shouldn’t have made this about myself.” Then, with genuine emotion, he said, “Goodbye, beautiful. You made the world a better place, and it feels emptier without you.”

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2025-12-19 18:51